Former president George H.W. Bush is on track to be released from a Houston hospital as early as this weekend, officials said.

In
a statement from the Methodist Hospital in Houston, Amy Mynderse said
Bush, 88, who has been in and out of the hospital with viral bronchitis,
is sitting up, moving and walking as much as he can to help his
recovery. He is listed in stable condition.

"This was never a
serious or life-threatening situation," Mynderse said. "We simply wanted
to prevent the progression of the disease into pneumonia, which is
possible in any patient at this age."

The hospital statement said
Bush has been "treated with intravenous steroids and antibiotics. He
developed a secondary bacterial infection which has also improved. He is
recovering from the effects of a lingering cough which caused him some
discomfort."

Bush "is recovering quickly enough to possibly be discharged from the hospital this weekend," the statement said.

Mynderse said, "He is definitely in great spirits. He is happy, joking and definitely getting better."